De Lange, who will now leave her post as deputy commissioner, has been described as a career police officer who has been in the service for over 33 years.

Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane says, "She must not be seen as an affirmative action [appointment], she is not an affirmative action candidate. She is appointed amongst other capable men and she came out tops, so she is one of the best."